On February 6th, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the law prohibiting physician-assisted dying for competent adults who have a grievous and irremediable medical condition that causes enduring suffering. The decision was to come into effect on February 6th, 2016. In January the Attorney General of Canada applied for a six-month extension to make necessary legislative changes. A four-month extension was granted and the decision was to come into effect June 6th, 2016.

Bill C-14, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying) received Royal Assent June 17th, 2016 after being passed by both the House of Commons and the Senate. Click here for a copy of Bill C-14.

What does this decision mean for practicing RNs and NPs?

Amendments to Bill C -14 allow nurse practitioners as well as physicians to provide this service. RNs and other health-care providers are permitted to assist physicians or nurse practitioners in medical assistance in dying without risk of criminal charges.

What is currently happening?

RNANT/NU encourages you to read the post “Medical Assistance in Dying: What Every Nurse Should Know” on the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS) website at http://cnps.ca, Bill C-14 posted above and the Frequently Asked Question posted below.